Below you will find several ideas, recommendations, and tips that will help accelerate the recovery period of tummy tuck surgery. The focus of these will be on skin care and treatment. Your doctor will provide you specific details on postsurgical care. His/her objective will be to give you information about what you can expect after the tummy tuck surgery.

Application of Bandage

The bandage serves to protect the incision and stitches by keeping the area clean. The bandage plays a key role in promoting the healing process. You must follow your plastic surgeon’s specific advice explicitly on bandage care. Doing so will support the healing process and visually minimize the scar.

Benefits of Taping and Silicone Products

Any tension on the incision may cause the scar to open and become more visible. For best results, the scar should be taped for the first several weeks after surgery. Additionally, there are silicone cream products available that should be applied on the scar to minimize the signs of the scar. There are also silicone sheet products available that assist in the healing process. The key benefit of these sheets is that they are very easy to apply. Your plastic surgeon will make recommendations based on your individual needs.

Compression Under-Clothing

Compression clothing provides needed support to the abdominal area. This type of clothing promotes blood circulation which is critical to the healing process. It also minimizes movement which aids reducing pain, swelling, and bruising. There are a myriad of compression clothing available for the abdominal area. Your doctor will provide you with recommendations as to which compression clothing would be best for your specific needs.

The Sun is Your Enemy

The major point here is that the sun will cause a scar to darken, thicken, and become much more visible. These effects make it more difficult for doctors to address in the future. The simple solution is to avoid the sun. If it cannot be avoided, be sure to use a high SPF sun blocker. This is especially critical in the early stages of the healing process.

Benefits of a Tummy Massage

There are a number of good reasons to seek a professional tummy massage. A massage has been proven to help the skin heal faster. Caution has to be taken to ensure that a tummy massage is only performed after the tummy tuck incision has completely healed. Do not schedule a tummy massage without the prior consent of your doctor. Your doctor is also the best person to recommend a professional massage therapist that is a subject matter expert in the abdominal area.

Dr. Nojan Talebzadeh at Eastlake Cosmetic Surgery will personally meet with you during your first consultation to fully understand your desired tummy tuck goals. During a follow-up consultation, Dr. Talebzadeh will also provide you very specific and detailed direction on how best to care for your skin and bandages after your tummy tuck surgery. If you’re looking for a tummy tuck in San Diego/Chula Vista, contact us today!